American Spikenard (Aralia racemosa)

Family: Araliaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Aralia racemosa is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.8 m (6ft) by 1.2 m (4ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Leaves, Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavouring in soups. — Young shoot tips - cooked.; Used as a potherb or as a flavouring in soups.; Large and spicy, it is used in soups.; Pleasantly aromatic, imparting a liquorice-like flavour.

Habitat & North American Range

Rich woodlands and thickets. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)